Threaded die holder apparatus

ABSTRACT

A threaded die holder apparatus includes an internally threaded die unit and a hollow die-support socket which receives the internally threaded die unit. The hollow die-support socket includes an open slot channel. Die-to-socket attachment means are connected between the internally threaded die unit and the hollow die-support socket. Preferably, the hollow die-support socket includes a plurality of open slot channels. The internally threaded die unit and the hollow die-support socket are arrayed along a central longitudinal axis, and the open slot channel is arrayed in the hollow die-support socket in a direction that is transverse to the central longitudinal axis. The transversely arrayed open slot channels permit application of a lubricant from outside the hollow die-support socket to inside the hollow die-support socket to allow lubrication of a thread-forming operation by the internally threaded die unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority based upon my copending Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/725,163, filed Oct. 11, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to die holders, and, more particularly, to die holders especially adapted for turning with a ratchet wrench or drill.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Die holders are well known in the art, and the following references are representative of some prior art die holders: U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,855,613, 3,715,168, 4,095,917, 4,149,820, 4,856,946, 5,299,895, 5,343,787, and 5,490,746, and German Patent DE3841638.

More specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 2,855,613 discloses a combined turning and threading tool which includes a pair of elongated slots 81 and 82 which are in a main body portion 71 and are arrayed in parallel to a central longitudinal axis. In addition, the elongated slots are arrayed on opposite sides of the main body portion 71. The elongated slots 81 and 82 are used by an observer for observing the cutting operation. Also, the elongated slots 81 and 82 permit metal cuttings or chips to pass therethrough. Rather than having a pair of oppositely disposed elongated slots that are parallel to a central longitudinal axis, for purposes of greater observability of the cutting operation, it would be desirable if a pair of elongated slots were oriented transversely with respect to a central longitudinal axis so that the cutting operation could be viewed from a greater range of different angles.

Moreover, although U.S. Pat. No. 2,855,613 discloses that the elongated slots 81 and 82 permit observing of the cutting operation and permit metal cuttings or chips to pass therethrough, there is no disclosure that the elongated slots provided a window for lubrication of the cutting operation. In this respect, it would be desirable to provide a pair of elongated slots that are oriented transversely with respect to a central longitudinal axis so that they facilitate application of a lubricant therethrough to the cutting operation.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,715,168 discloses a die stock holder and extension which includes a ratchet-reception portion which has a plurality of exterior planar surfaces. Such plurality of exterior planar surfaces permits reception of a socket having a plurality of complementary inside planar surfaces. However, this ratchet-reception portion does not include a plurality of inside planar surfaces which would permit reception of a ratchet drive which has a plurality of complementary exterior planar surfaces. For a ratchet-reception portion to have greater versatility of application of driving elements, it would be desirable if a die holder apparatus included a ratchet-reception portion which includes both a ratchet-reception portion and a plurality of inside planar surfaces.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,095,917, 4,149,820, 4,856,946, 5,299,895, 5,343,787, 5,490,746, and German Patent DE3841638 may be interest for their disclosure of die holders which do not include an elongated slot which permits observation of the cutting operation, removal of metal cuttings, and application of lubricant.

Thus, while the foregoing body of prior art indicates it to be well known to use die holders, the prior art described above does not teach or suggest a die holder apparatus which has the following combination of desirable features: (1) provides a pair of elongated slots which are oriented transversely with respect to a central longitudinal axis so that the cutting operation can be viewed from a greater range of different angles; (2) provides a pair of elongated slots that are oriented transversely with respect to a central longitudinal axis so that they facilitate application of a lubricant therethrough to the cutting operation; and (3) includes a ratchet-reception portion which includes both a plurality of exterior planar surfaces and a plurality of inside planar surfaces. The foregoing desired characteristics are provided by the unique threaded die holder apparatus of the present invention as will be made apparent from the following description thereof. Other advantages of the present invention over the prior art also will be rendered evident.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve the foregoing and other advantages, the present invention, briefly described, provides a threaded die holder apparatus which includes an internally threaded die unit. A hollow die-support socket receives the internally threaded die unit. The hollow die-support socket includes an open slot channel, and die-to-socket attachment means are connected between the internally threaded die unit and the hollow die-support socket. The internally threaded die unit and the hollow die-support socket are arrayed along a central longitudinal axis, and the open slot channel is arrayed in the hollow die-support socket in a direction that is transverse to the central longitudinal axis. Preferably, the hollow die-support socket includes a plurality of open slot channels.

The transversely arrayed open slot channels permit application of a lubricant from outside the hollow die-support socket to inside the hollow die-support socket to allow lubrication of a thread-forming operation by the internally threaded die unit on an unthreaded shaft or on an already threaded shaft that has damaged or stripped threads. The open slot channels also permit visual observation of the thread forming operation from outside the hollow die-support socket.

Preferably, the die-to-socket attachment means include set-screw-reception channels in the hollow die-support socket, and set screws received in the set-screw-reception channels.

The hollow die-support socket includes a die-reception well portion for receiving the internally threaded die unit and includes an inside chamber portion adjacent to the die-reception well portion.

The hollow die-support socket also includes a ratchet-reception portion which includes a plurality of inside planar surfaces.

Preferably, the ratchet-reception portion includes a plurality of exterior planar surfaces.

The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the more important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contributions to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will be for the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining a preferred embodiment of the invention in detail, it is understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood, that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved threaded die holder apparatus which has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved threaded die holder apparatus which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved threaded die holder apparatus which is of durable and reliable construction.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved threaded die holder apparatus which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such threaded die holder apparatus available to the buying public.

Still yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved threaded die holder apparatus which provides a pair of elongated slots which are oriented transversely with respect to a central longitudinal axis so that the cutting operation can be viewed from a greater range of different angles.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved threaded die holder apparatus that provides a pair of elongated slots that are oriented transversely with respect to a central longitudinal axis so that they facilitate application of a lubricant therethrough to the cutting operation.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved threaded die holder apparatus which includes a ratchet-reception portion which includes both a plurality of exterior planar surfaces and a plurality of inside planar surfaces.

These together with still other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and the above objects as well as objects other than those set forth above will become more apparent after a study of the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a preferred embodiment of the threaded die holder apparatus of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of the threaded die holder apparatus shown in FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the embodiment of the threaded die holder apparatus of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 thereof.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the threaded die holder apparatus of FIG. 2 taken along line 4-4 thereof.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1 taken along line 5-5 thereof.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to the drawings, a new and improved threaded die holder apparatus embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention will be described.

Turning to FIGS. 1-6, there is shown a preferred embodiment of the threaded die holder apparatus of the invention generally designated by reference numeral 10. In each of the figures, reference numerals are shown that correspond to like reference numerals that designate like elements shown in other figures.

In the preferred embodiment, threaded die holder apparatus 10 includes an internally threaded die unit 12. A hollow die-support socket 14 receives the internally threaded die unit 12. The hollow die-support socket 14 includes an open slot channel 26, and die-to-socket attachment means are connected between the internally threaded die unit 12 and the hollow die-support socket 14. The internally threaded die unit 12 and the hollow die-support socket 14 are arrayed along a central longitudinal axis 40, and the open slot channel 26 is arrayed in the hollow die-support socket 14 in a direction that is transverse to the central longitudinal axis 40. Preferably, the hollow die-support socket 14 includes a plurality of open slot channels 26.

Die-to-socket attachment means are connected between the internally threaded die unit 12 and the hollow die-support socket 14. The hollow die-support socket 14 includes a plurality of open slot channels 26.

The open slot channels 26 permit application of a lubricant from outside the hollow die-support socket 14 to inside the hollow die-support socket 14 to allow lubrication of a thread-forming operation by the internally threaded die unit 12 on an unthreaded shaft or on an already threaded shaft that has damaged or stripped threads. The open slot channels 26 also permit visual observation of the thread forming operation from outside the hollow die-support socket 14.

Preferably, the die-to-socket attachment means includes set-screw-reception channels 16 in the hollow die-support socket 14, and set screws 18 received in the set-screw-reception channels 16.

The hollow die-support socket 14 includes a die-reception well portion 20 for receiving the internally threaded die unit 12 and includes an inside chamber portion 22 adjacent to the die-reception well portion 20. The inside chamber portion 22 provides a reception chamber for cuttings from a shaft that has passed through the internally threaded die unit 12 and has thereby become externally threaded.

The hollow die-support socket 14 also includes a ratchet-reception portion 28 which includes a plurality of inside planar surfaces 30. The inside planar surfaces 30 can be in the form of an inside square well for engaging a square-shaped ratchet (not shown) that is inserted into the inside square well. The square-shaped ratchet can be connected to a ratchet wrench or can be received in a chuck of an electric drill.

Preferably, the ratchet-reception portion 28 includes a plurality of exterior planar surfaces 32. The exterior planar surfaces 32 can be used for engagement with a wrench (not shown).

To use the threaded die holder apparatus 10 of the invention, an internally threaded die unit 12 is selected and inserted into the die-reception well portion 20 of the hollow die-support socket 14. The selected internally threaded die unit 12 can be one of a plurality of different internally threaded die units 12 that have different thread diameters and different thread pitches.

When the internally threaded die unit 12 is in the die-reception well portion 20, the set screws 18 are tightened secure the internally threaded die unit 12 in the hollow die-support socket 14. Then. A shaft is inserted into the internally threaded die unit 12, and either the shaft or the threaded die holder apparatus 10 of the invention is rotated so that threads are cut in the shaft. As the thread forming operation takes place. A user can apply lubricant through the open slot channels 26, and the user can observe the thread cutting operation through the open slot channels 26. As external threads are cut into the shaft, the threaded shaft enters into the inside chamber portion 22 of the hollow die-support socket 14.

The internally threaded die unit 12 and the hollow die-support socket 14, which are secured together by the tightened set screws 18, can be rotated manually by using a ratcheted wrench by inserting the ratchet connector into ratchet-reception portion 28 of the hollow die-support socket 14 to contact the inside planar surfaces 30. Alternatively, the internally threaded die unit 12 and the hollow die-support socket 14 can be rotated by gripping the exterior planar surfaces 32 of the ratchet-reception portion 28 with a crescent wrench or a socket is connected to a socket wrench. Still alternatively, the internally threaded die unit 12 and the hollow die-support socket 14 can be rotated by connecting the ratchet-reception portion 28 to a chuck of an electric drill. Still alternatively, a drill-to-socket adapter can be used to connect the threaded die holder apparatus 10 of the invention to an electric drill.

After the thread cutting operation has been completed, the set screws 18 are loosened, and the internally threaded die unit 12 is removed from the hollow die-support socket 14 so that the internally threaded die unit 12 and the hollow die-support socket 14 can be cleaned for further use.

The components of the threaded die holder apparatus of the invention can be made from inexpensive and durable metal or hard plastic or composite materials.

As to the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention, the same is apparent from the above disclosure, and accordingly, no further discussion relative to the manner of usage and operation need be provided.

It is apparent from the above that the present invention accomplishes all of the objects set forth by providing a new and improved threaded die holder apparatus that is low in cost, relatively simple in design and operation, and which may advantageously be used to provide a pair of elongated slots which are oriented transversely with respect to a central longitudinal axis so that the cutting operation can be viewed from a greater range of different angles. With the invention, a threaded die holder apparatus provides a pair of elongated slots that are oriented transversely with respect to a central longitudinal axis so that they facilitate application of a lubricant therethrough to the cutting operation. With the invention, a threaded die holder apparatus is provided which includes a ratchet-reception portion which includes both a plurality of exterior planar surfaces and a plurality of inside planar surfaces.

Thus, while the present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications thereof may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use.

Hence, the proper scope of the present invention should be determined only by the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all such modifications as well as all relationships equivalent to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification.

Finally, it will be appreciated that the purpose of the annexed Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. Accordingly, the Abstract is neither intended to define the invention or the application, which only is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 

1. A threaded die holder apparatus, comprising: an internally threaded die unit, a hollow die-support socket which receives said internally threaded die unit, wherein said hollow die-support socket includes an open slot channel, and die-to-socket attachment means connected between said internally threaded die unit and said hollow die-support socket, wherein said internally threaded die unit and said hollow die-support socket are arrayed along a central longitudinal axis, and wherein said open slot channel is arrayed in said hollow die-support socket in a direction that is transverse to said central longitudinal axis.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said hollow die-support socket includes a plurality of open slot channels.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said die-to-socket attachment means include: set-screw-reception channels in said hollow die-support socket, and set screws received in said set-screw-reception channels.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said hollow die-support socket includes: a die-reception well portion for receiving said internally threaded die unit, and an inside chamber portion adjacent to said die-reception well portion.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said hollow die-support socket includes a ratchet-reception portion which includes a plurality of inside planar surfaces.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said ratchet-reception portion includes a plurality of exterior planar surfaces. 